Baldwin County's International Baccalaureate Programme recently graduated its first batch of students, and numbers for the rigorous program continue to rise. Enrollment for this school year has reached 325 students -- including 43 seniors -- who will attend classes on host campuses at Daphne and Fairhope High schools.

The program offers an intense curriculum focused creating free thinkers who are prepared for college, officials said.

"The teaching strategies that IB teachers employ concentrate on the higher level thinking skills and encourage students to understand the material and not just memorize it," said Joseph Roh, DHS assistant principal and IB coordinator. "The students are asked to actually use their knowledge and not just repeat the facts on a test."

Photo courtesy Denise D'OliveiraA Summer Lyceum writing class for students who are entering or continuing in the International Baccalaureate Programme at Daphne High was held in June. Sponsored by SEEDS -- Supporting Educational Enrichment in Daphne's Schools -- the one-week course was designed to sharpen and expand written composition skills. Among those taking part are Mary Catherine Bailey, left, and Briana Burdick. Andre LaPalme, not pictured, served as SEEDS' Summer Lyceum writing instructor for the second consecutive year.

That curriculum also boosts a student's ability to adapt to college-level courses, he said.

"IB students are prepared for university work not only because of their exposure to challenging curriculum in high school, but they have developed incredible work ethics and time management skills," he said.

Roh said IB students are placed in common classes and move through their high school years as a "cohort," which creates a common bond and "emphasizes an appreciation for diversity and consideration of a global perspective."

Stephanie Harrison, assistant principal at Fairhope High, said the benefits of participating include the "development of advanced writing, critical thinking, research, time management, and study skills while receiving a college preparatory education in a cohort learning environment."

Before signing up, prospective students need to consider the rigorous demands on their time and Roh said those best suited for the IB program are the ones who are motivated, dedicated and organized.

"A student does not have to have the highest IQ to be in the program, but they do have to be willing to work. When a student enters the ninth grade, they need to be willing to put forth effort to develop the necessary study and time management skills that will make them successful in the program," he said. "The biggest obstacles to students being successful in the program are procrastination and lack of effort."

Harrison echoed that, saying students are required to complete multiple long-term projects and research papers, as well as lengthy formal exams similar to those given at the college level. "The IB program is very rigorous, and students should expect to spend several hours per night completing homework and studying for exams," Harrison said.

In addition to this work, students are required to complete an independent research project that ends with a 4,000-word essay as well as 150 hours of community service.

"Students who typically do well in our IB program are well-rounded individuals who actively enjoy learning," Harrison said. "They are open-minded, self-motivated and manage their time well."

School board member Angie Swiger said the IB program benefits the student and the system.

"The IB program gives our students the opportunity to participate in a rigorous academic curriculum that is both challenging and innovative," she said. "Anytime we can offer programs that go beyond the standard education, everyone benefits."